However she said that, having read pre-sentence reports, she was prepared to give Atudorei a chance to avoid an immediate custodial sentence.

Judge Morris told him: “I’m told you have a permanent job and wish to repay Domino’s Pizza. I’m going to put that to the test.

“Although the offence may qualify for a custodial sentence, it seems to me you’ve turned your life around, to a degree.”

She said she would defer sentence until September 11.

Judge Morris promised Atudorei that, provided he paid £2,500 to Domino’s Pizza, did not gamble in betting shops or online and did not commit any further offences, he would receive a non-custodial sentence on that date.

The government in this country really need to do something about the gambling epidemic - peoples lives are being ruined - these betting shops and online casinos need better, tougher controls - or outright banning